James Ranalph Jackson was born in New Zealand in 1882 and came to live in Darlinghurst, Sydney, at the age of 12. Jackson was immediately impressed by the beauty of Sydney Harbour — an appreciation which continued throughout his long life.

Jackson took evening art classes at the Royal Art Society in Sydney, before travelling to London and Paris in 1906. to further his studies. Developing great his technical skill, his style, especially his handling of light, was influenced by impressionism.

Jackson returned to Sydney where he exhibited with the Royal Art Society for many years, as well as teaching painting and drawing. Commercially successful, his first solo exhibition was in 1920 and his last was in 1972, three years before his death at the age of 93.

This view of Milsons Point shows the impact of development in the first half of the 20th century as high-rise apartment blocks line the Harbour foreshore.